About Us
The Need
India is a country that is home to a kaleidoscope of cultures and perspectives. It is in this country that perspectives collide, making inclusivity the need of the hour. The IDF community recognises this truth and has dedicated itself to creating a platform where D&I is championed in every facet of Indian life.
IDF is not just an amalgamation of alphabets; it is a term that stands behind a mission. A mission where every individual, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity, deserves the opportunity to thrive. The IDF community is constantly adhering to its pledge by dismantling the barriers that hinder this journey and paving the way for a future where inclusion isn’t an aspiration but the norm.
Founding Story
- Established as a Section 8 Company, IDF began its mission in January 2021.
- The 1st Advisory Board convened on January 27, 2021, laying the groundwork for IDF’s strategic direction.
- The inaugural India Diversity Conclave was held on April 6, 2021, serving as a catalyst for dialogue and action.
- By May 2021, the IDF had rallied the commitment of 39 founding members.
- The formation of the Industry Council Meetings was witnessed in July 2021, with membership reaching the 100 mark.
- The India Diversity Job Fair on August 28th and 29th, 2021, marked a significant step toward inclusive recruitment.
- IDF’s membership base had expanded to more than 180 people by September 2021.
- Best Practice Sharing sessions and the launch of Diversity Workshops in November 2021 promoted shared learning and development.
- January 2022 saw the Industry Council Chairs & Advisors Meet, by then growing to include over 250 members.
- The second edition of the India Diversity Conclave was conducted on April 7, 2022.
- A Multi-Generational workshop, tailored to address diverse age groups, was hosted in August 2022 across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
- The Indian Diversity Job Fair made its return on October 28th and 29th, 2022, continuing to connect talent with opportunity.
- IDF’s community further surged to over 800 members by January 2023.
- The third edition of the India Diversity Conclave took place on April 6, 2023.
- The Neurodiversity Workshop in Mumbai in June 2023 broadened the spectrum of inclusivity efforts.
- Witnessing an impressive ascent in participation, IDF’s membership soared past the 1,000 mark by September 2023..
Core Values
At the heart of the India Diversity Forum (IDF) lies a set of core values integral to its mission:
Collectively known by the acronym DEIB, these principles are crucial within the workplace for a multitude of compelling reasons.
The commitment to diversity enriches the organizational environment with various perspectives and cultural insights. Equity aims to eliminate workplace inequalities and biases, providing equal opportunities for all. Inclusion actively involves every employee in decision-making processes, ensuring their voice is heard and valued. Belonging creates an environment where employees feel accepted and integral to the team.
Inclusion and belonging, essential components of DEIB, improve employee satisfaction and retention rates. When people feel included and belong at work, their engagement and productivity increase, benefiting the organization as a whole.
Overview
In this globalized world, traditional barriers in hiring are fading, allowing factors like gender, region, language, religion, caste, class, occupation, background, disability, race, and sexual orientation to no longer hinder job applicants. Employers who value diversity and equal opportunity are positively impacting the employment landscape and improving work environments. However, there is still much progress to be made, as diversity-inclusive recruitment practices are not yet the norm.
Embracing diversity enriches workplaces with new ideas, enhances dialogue and strategy development, and prioritizes the welfare, dignity, and happiness of staff members. The creation of the India Diversity Forum is a step in the right direction, aimed at fostering an environment where diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated.
WHAT IS DIVERSITY
Diversity is recognizing and appreciating unique traits and perspectives, going beyond simply employing people from diverse backgrounds. However, implementing diversity is challenging, as workplace occurrences show.
An effective HR department recruits and champions diversity, integrating it into the organization. Proactive HR departments increase awareness and sensitivity towards diversity issues.
Therefore, the India Diversity Forum serves as a platform for change, bridging gaps and driving progress in workplace diversity.
WHAT IS INDIA DIVERSITY FORUM?
The India Diversity Forum is an autonomous collective established as a Section 8 company, dedicated to elevating the conversation on diversity and inclusion within Indian corporations and society at large, with a particular focus on the workplace. It consolidates various diversity-related topics onto a single platform, pursuing a unified approach to address these critical issues at a corporate, governmental, and national level.
As a neutral entity distinct from any specific company or industry, the Forum harnesses best practices in diversity across sectors and shares them with a singular aim—fostering positive change. This agenda prioritises enhancing employee engagement and trust, mitigating conflicts, and transforming workplaces into more compassionate and contented environments.
Our Vision
A world which is free of discrimination at the workplace; and build an ecosystem in which all Indian organisations collectively become beacons of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) to the rest of the world.
Our Mission
To eradicate workplace discrimination arising from gender, region, language, religion, caste, background, disabilities, age, and sexual orientation, our mission is to assist and direct organisations in fostering a culture of equality & diversity.
GOALS OF IDF
They must strive to offer flexible work options, leave and re-entry opportunities to positions of equal pay and status and also make workplaces friendly to work for people from diverse backgrounds.
Women Employment
India Inc needs to embrace gender diversity and must employ more women at workplaces; it must make its recruitment processes more inclusive.
Equal Opportunity for Women
Organisations must create an environment where women can access equal opportunities for growth in senior positions.
Best Practices
Compiling of best practices of every member organization with regard to diversity and inclusion and sharing with all.
Pay Parity
Organisations must decide pay according to proficiency and not gender. They must pay equal remuneration, including benefits, for work of equal value to all women and men.
Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Organisations should establish zero-tolerance towards violence at work, sexual harassment, have flexible work, equal pay, status & make workplaces accessible for people with physical disabilities.
Team Sensitisation
Organisations must train their teams & sensitise them towards genders, LGBTQ+ & professionals with disabilities. Also conduct special training for men and women in leadership positions.